Question inspired by goldenpig, Andrea, Angie et al

rae

You all are making me see lace-up boots in a new light. Natalie, you especially rocked my world with your UWP Tory Burch post! And then when Andrea posted the tall version of my most comfortable boots... Some of these newer styles look much sleeker, especially with the adjustable feature of laces. I can't help but wonder if the brown with the beige laces could be dressed up enough for the office - maybe styled as in 3-4 (I no longer have those boots)? Or maybe with a midi or shirt dress? The white laces seem like they could bring 'em into spring. Like an equestrian/granny/safari hybird.

Or do the light laces look too casual? I could be reaching, here.

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14 years ago

Inspiration

11 replies

Latest reply was from rae

Mochi

Veteran

The light laces do bring it into the casual realm. I think you said you work in a conservative environment? (I was gonna say, you could always switch them out, but reviewing the pic, that's a lot of work! Unless you're up for it).

I do like the look, a lot. Your styling ideas sound good!

What do you think of these boots, rae? They're a bit schizophrenic, but kinda cool in red-brown....(I do prefer Natalie's, but appreciate the craziness of this one)

http://www.zappos.com/sendra-plana-ginza-red-brown

14 years ago

Anonymous

So what are you asking, if Andrea's version could be business appropriate or if the short version that you own could be worn to work? Even if you're thinking of getting the tall ones, could you style the short ones to give us an idea? I think Nat's black ones could work for sure.

14 years ago

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Wow, 3/4 look like great office looks. I LOVE that copper skirt! What happened to the boots? I do think that the white laces make Andrea's boots look more casual than office-appropriate. Can we see your other boot choices styled? I do have brown Fryes as well, but the laces are brown.

14 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

I thought that would be the case, but I wanted to get a second opinion, as they say. Oh well, Angie told me to focus on booties anyway. In the harsh light of morning, I also think they're probably too casual.

Claire, I do wear the short ones to the office a lot, but they are black-on-black (pic 5). Less obvious that they are combat boots.

Natalie, here are my other current boots. I also have 6 and 7 on the way. 7 were just such a great deal I had to get them whether or not they come to work, and 6 is a total experiment to see if I can style them appropriately.

Mochi, those are ALL kinds of awesome, but too low a heel for my arches, and definitely too casual. I did start an Ebay search for that brand, though!

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14 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Rae, laced boots can be dressier (and therefore office appropriate) for sure. It really depends on the rest of the style of the boots. Natalie's look dressier than Andrea's - I know that you see that too

How is the bootie business coming along? Your new Spat-like boots virtually qualify.

14 years ago

Jem

Veteran

I'm really liking lace up boots now, too. I'm loving the blue doc martens someone posted which is something I never thought I'd be saying. haha I also love Natalie's lace up boots! You have some great boots Rae and I can't wait to see how your new one's look when you get them.

14 years ago

Mochi

Veteran

6. So cool.

14 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

The booties fiiiiinally shipped this morning. Karmaloop decided to do their inventory right in the midst of after-Christmas sales, so the day after I placed the order, I got a message saying that all shipments would be delayed. How sneaky of them not to mention that *before* the purchase!

14 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I love the tone-on-tone laces! I think the creative stylishness of it overrides the casualness of a brown boot, esp. if the boots are polished and you had a tailored skirt with them.

I wonder how grey laces / black boots would look...

14 years ago

Diana

Veteran

OK, so I do not actually work in an environment where I need to worry about things being too casual or funky or whatever... but I definitely think lace up boots are office appropriate! Like Angie says, it depends on the style of the boot - so, something like Natalie's fryes are nice and sleek, whereas maybe Docs would be too casual. On me, a well fitting lace up boot probably looks more dressy simply because they fit better to the shape of my leg.

I think you could take something like the outfit I have on in the attached photo and swap out the sweater dress for a more fancy sheath dress or something and have a perfect office outfit.

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14 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

I *was* asking about the docs specifically, since I know they are comfy and fit slim ankles. Those aren't dressy enough it seems, but now I think I'll put laced boots on the list for the long term search. Maybe next fall, after I get my bootie situation sorted for S/S.

Diana, thank you for the pic - always tremendous help for me to have visuals.

14 years ago

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